Teeth Whitening
If you are unhappy with the dull, yellowish shade of your teeth, consider teeth whitening as the perfect solution! Teeth whitening is safe, effective, and an efficient way to dramatically improve your overall appearance. Dr. Imm can help you choose the most effective and convenient method of whitening for you. We offer in-office whitening as well as take-home kits. These processes can actually make your natural tooth color between seven and twelve shades brighter than it is right now! You too can have the bright, white Hollywood smile that you've always dreamed about!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is tooth whitening?
A: Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens the color of your teeth-both inside and out! It is now safe and easy to get your smile brighter using a minimal amount of your time. There are different brands and techniques available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Q: How do teeth get discolored?
A: Teeth get discolored for many different reasons. Often it is a combination of things. Aging, trauma, old fillings and certain substances (coffee, tobacco, tea, cola, red wines) all contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. During the formation of you teeth consumption of tetracycline and even excessive fluoride may cause discoloration of your teeth. With that said, most people can benefit from teeth whitening. An evaluation with Dr. Imm will be able to determine if you are a good candidate.
Q: Am I good candidate for teeth whitening?
A: While many people can benefit from teeth whitening, certain problems are better solved using other methods. Because teeth whitening cannot change the structure or shape of your tooth in anyway, many problems are better addressed using porcelain veneers. Veneers whiten your teeth while giving them an appealing shape. Veneers and crowns can also address overcrowding and gaps in teeth, while whitening cannot. Whitening is a good option for those who are very happy with the shape and alignment of their teeth, but would like to see them a bit whiter. Some patients use a combination of veneers and teeth whitening to get their smile looking great.
Q: How does teeth whitening work?
A: Professional teeth whitening includes a tray custom fit to your teeth. This tray is important because it allows an even amount of bleaching agent to cover each tooth. Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in most bleaching kit. This agent seeps into the tiny holes in the enamel of your teeth and bleaches your teeth whiter. Patients wear their bleaching trays with the bleaching gel in one hour increments for three days to a week. Sometimes it is recommended that the patient leave the bleaching tray on overnight. It takes only a little bit of your time to see big differences in the look of your smile.
Q: Is tooth whitening safe? Are there side effects?
A: Tooth whitening is very safe when done under supervision of a dentist to ensure healthy teeth and gums. The only common side effects reported by most patients are tooth hypersensitivity and gum irritation. Tooth sensitivity dissipates after 24 to 48 hours after use. Gum irritation is usually minimal and improves within a week of use. If swallowed, the bleach may cause a sore throat. The vast majority of patients have no side effects whatsoever.
Dr. Gary Imm, Cosmetic Dentist - Providing the services of Sedation and Headache Relief Dentistry to the areas of Westminster and Baltimore, Maryland (MD).
1758 Baltimore Blvd. Westminster, MD 21157
Ph. 410.876.2096
© copyright 2007 - 2008, Imm, DDS, all rights reserved
